ST. PAUL, MN – February 26, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded nine grants totaling more than $3.6 million to help pay for improvements for housing and infrastructure in Greater Minnesota.
The grants were awarded under the Small Cities Development Program through funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“This funding will create jobs and help improve Greater Minnesota communities,” said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. “The Small Cities Development Program is an important part of DEED’s strategy for strengthening the Minnesota economy.”
An additional 53 Small Cities applications are being reviewed by the agency. DEED expects to award another $20 million through the Small Cities program in March.
The program makes grants available to cities and townships with populations under 50,000 and counties with populations under 200,000.
Projects must meet one of three federal objectives:
1. Benefit low- to moderate-income people.
2. Eliminate slum and blight conditions.
3. Eliminate an urgent threat to public safety.
Funding is awarded to eligible communities for rehabilitating existing housing stock for low- to moderate-income residents; public facility projects including sewer and wastewater treatment improvements, storm sewers and streets; and comprehensive projects that address a community development need that must be carried out in a coordinated manner addressing such activities as commercial revitalization, housing rehabilitation and/or public facility need.
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.
The following communities received grants:
2010 Small Cities Awardees List
West Central
Brandon, $600,000
Construction of a water treatment plant.
Local contact: Deb Grommesh, city clerk, 320-524-2260
Doran, $210,000
Construction of a sanitary sewer system.
Local contact: Bruce Dell, mayor, 218-643-2109
Bertha, $600,000
Improvements to a sanitary sewer system.
Local contact: Dean Klebs, mayor, 218-924-4454
Milan, $600,000
Construction of a water storage tank and replacement of water mains.
Local contact: Nancy Strand, mayor, 320-734-4411
Central
Riverton, $127,500
Construction of a water storage tank and replacement of a well.
Local contact: David Peterson, mayor, 218-546-5225
Belgrade, $417,400
Construction of water wells and treatment system.
Local contact: Dennis Braegelmann, mayor, 320-254-8220
East Central
Elk River, $350,000
Construction of a new rental housing building providing 53 affordable rental housing units.
Local contact: Catherine Mehelich, economic development director, 763-635-1041
Southwest
Lismore, $501,000
Construction of a water storage tank and replacement of water mains.
Local contact: Dave Lutmer, mayor, 507-472-8779
Southeast
Owatonna, $250,000
Construction of a building that will contain 16 affordable rental units.
Local contact: Tom Kuntz, mayor, 507-774-7318
Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com
Contact:
Kirsten Morell, 651-259-7161
Kirsten.Morell (at) state.mn (dot) us
